It can be an exhausting job – yet it’s among the most in-demand social media position.

So what exactly is a community manager?

Every organization will need or want something different for the role they are trying to fill.

To me a community manager is a mix of support and marketing. They let people know what is going on and they listen to understand what the community wants. Some community managers may be mostly support, some may do some messaging to promote their brand message or an upcoming event, while others arrange meet-ups and write blog posts that spotlight interesting community generated content.

Advice From the Trenches

“The real power of community management is that it connects directly with the customers, bypassing standard marketing channels that are seldom more than a one-way, outbound form of messaging.” (on what role community management plays in marketing)~ Cade Peterson, Sony Computer Entertainment America.

“These departments are inextricably linked. They’re like cheeseburgers and French fries. Sure, you can have one without the other, but why would you want to?” (on the relationship between customer service and the community) ~ Jenne Pedde, 2U, Inc., and TheCommunityManager.com

“You’re only one person and there are going to be pits and peaks. If a campaign doesn’t work, learn from it and move on….” (on the biggest leson learned in community building) ~ Alexa Plew, Eventbrite

“I believe the community manager will enter the c-suite, or a similar role. Because community managers touch everything from product to customer service to marketing, there are few people (better) suited to lead the customer experience from the top down moving forward.” (on the future of community management) ~ Nick Cicero, Livefyre.

For those in the community management space – or if you want to BE in that space – give this eBook a read. You might find opinions you agree or disagree with, but there is no doubt you’ll learn something. And it just might help you feel less alone.

Also a HUGE thanks to Jason Konopinskifor sending me some chocolates for #CMAD. All the rest of you better step up your game next year!

Does your company have a community manager? Have you had a great experience from a brand thanks to a community manager?

@DavidSpinks I wish someone had given me that advice when I first started as a community manager!! I was absolutely terrified to make any comments or posts!

Gini Dietrich

I got a case, too. And they were DELICIOUS!

PattiRoseKnight

We are lucky to have such a great Community Manager and they sure do deserve a day. When Yvette was on vacation I filled in and couldn’t wait for her to come back. I can now totally appreciate all that is involved in her job. I didn’t lose any “likes” during her days off thank goodness! Happy belated Community Manager’s Day!!!!

I have been working as a community manager for three months now. It is the most delightful experience I have ever had. I appreciate the advice on failures, just ran into my first few. Though they are recoverable if you have a community that supports you. So far the community has come out in spades and I see my job as honoring that every day in every way that I can.